Russell Berrie Foundation

One year ago, the lives of Israelis and Jews around the world changed irrevocably. We mourn those who lost their lives on October 7th and in the past year of war and violence. We pray for the safe return of the hostages held captive in Gaza. We pray for the safety and security of the state of Israel and its people, including our staff, relatives, and loved ones. And we hope for a peaceful and stable future in which Israel and the Jewish people can thrive. As always, we are profoundly grateful for the dedication and resilience of our team, our grantees, and Israel’s civic sector leaders who – in these relentlessly challenging times – never stop working toward that vision. 

The Russell Berrie Foundation wishes a happy new year to all who celebrate. After these traumatic last 12 months, may the new year usher in more light, understanding, happiness, and peace.

Congratulations to Community FoodBank of New Jersey and Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. on the grand opening of Garfield’s new Unity Health Pantry. We’re excited for Bergen County neighbors to begin shopping for nutritious foods in this supermarket-style pantry and for the impact this model will have in fighting food insecurity in Northern New Jersey. For more info and pantry hours, visit https://lnkd.in/e3wS28rB. #healthequity #SDOH Check out some of the great news coverage from the ribbon-cutting event: CBS News NY: https://lnkd.in/e4hguc39 NorthJersey.com: https://lnkd.in/eB8D7P6u cc Lynne Algrant Elizabeth McCarthy

The Jewish Standard profiles the new Northern NJ Wexner Heritage program—we invite you to nominate Jewish lay leaders, approx. 30-45 yrs old, who live in Bergen, Hudson, or Passaic counties, and share this new opportunity with your networks. The Wexner Foundation Program Director David Russo seeks up-and-coming professionals who, through immersing themselves in core Jewish texts and expert leadership training over a two-year period, can better address “whatever thorny issues that we are dealing with in our communities, to help us figure out what the path is to move forward.” Russell Berrie Foundation CEO Idana Goldberg recognizes that “Northern New Jersey is one of the most densely populated Jewish communities in the country, with a lot of opportunity.” Thinking through what will help our region flourish now and into the future, “we understand that investing in leadership is a key component of how we’re going to help ensure that the community remains thriving and diverse.” cc Lisa Capelouto David Rosenblatt Angelica Berrie Scott Berrie Sophie Ostrow Silberstein David Leit Maxine Schwartz Angie Atkins

With all eyes on the North and what may come next, we’re grateful our grantee, JDC (The Joint)-Elka, is working with local authorities to help them define their needs given the NIS 4 billion government allocation designated for the recovery of the North. On Sunday, Program Officer Amit Granek attended a dinner as part of a strategic planning workshop the Elka team led for senior managers of Hurfeish, a Druze town that has opted not to evacuate despite the constant threat of Hezbollah attacks. Beyond working with roughly 20 towns like Hurfeish, JDC-Elka also is coordinating initiatives at the regional level, described by Amit as a “delicate and complex task.” They have emerged as one of the most important organizing and coordinating bodies that is helping to catalyze larger flows of government and philanthropic funds to the North. Cc Ori Gil Keren Doron-Katz

Three days ago on Facebook, Tzedek Centers was busy promoting its upcoming conference on the priorities Israel must address to pursue reconstruction and restoration. One day later, sadly, the organization posted that a Hezbollah drone hit the Nahariya building where Co-Executive Director Lev Litman, Municipal Programs Director Aya Yedidya, and Field Director Idan Varon were living. These team members were based in Nahariya for the recent opening of a new Tzedek Center that is coordinating local volunteers, nurturing community organizing and leadership, and working with local municipal governments and other NGOs to address community needs as the wartime emergency persists throughout the North. Thankfully, they were not injured but, as Lev shared, “the damage to property, to our home, and to our sense of security, is significant.” Frustration with central government leaders is growing as they lack any plan to restore security and stability and are largely ignoring the crisis in the North. Aya summed it up by saying “There's a real feeling of uncertainty—it's unclear what the future holds. And honestly, we’re just waiting.” cc Amit Granek Naomi Feiner Bar Kolodny

The Russell Berrie Foundation mourns the senseless murder of six Israeli hostages by Hamas. May their memories be forever a blessing. We continue to pray for the safe and immediate return of all the hostages. #bringthemhome #bringthemhomenow #AmIsraelChai 

We’re thrilled to celebrate Russell Berrie Foundation Trustee Ilan Kaufthal, who today received the Yakir Bezalel Award, the highest honor bestowed by Bezalel Academy of Art and Design. The award honors leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to the betterment of Bezalel and its tradition of excellence in art and design education, and/or to Israeli society or to the fields of art, design, and architecture in Israel or abroad. Ilan is the longtime chairman of the American Friends Of Bezalel Academy. It's especially fitting that his record of leadership and generosity was honored in Bezalel’s Russell Berrie Auditorium. Our most enthusiastic congratulations go to Ilan (center in photo) and fellow honorees Aharon Barak, former president of the Supreme Court of Israel, and international artist Mierle Laderman Ukeles.

Spread the word and nominate promising leaders from Northern New Jersey!

Russ Berrie’s deep admiration and support for unsung heroes who commit themselves to doing good for others, paired with his curious, entrepreneurial spirit and love for Israel, shaped his philanthropic vision. In Steve Adubato’s and Jacqui Tricarico’s “Remember Them” broadcast on notable New Jersey philanthropists, Scott Berrie, Cathy Davey Corbett, and Warren Struhl speak to Russ’s pioneering leadership as a funder and businessman. The segment also features the tremendous work of Mike and Elaine Adler and the Adler Aphasia Center. Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award